Does balayage ruin your hair?

Author: Prof. Clint Heller  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Damage: If your hair is already damaged or fragile, you may want to avoid coloring it altogether or consider a more gentle coloring technique. Balayage can potentially be less damaging than traditional highlights, but it is still a chemical process that can strip the hair of its natural oils and weaken the hair shaft.

What is the downside of balayage?

The downside is that balayage can be expensive and if not done correctly, it will not result in the best look for your hair.

Does getting a balayage ruin your hair?

Balayage Does Minimal Damage

With balayage, because the lightener or hair color is swept onto the surface of each section of hair, beginning further down the strand, and touchups are less frequent, your hair stays healthier overall.

Does balayage make your hair fall out?

Potential Risks of Balayage

Balayage is known for being a gentler option compared to the traditional highlighting methods, but it still involves using chemicals. These chemicals can sometimes strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and even breakage.

Can my hair go back to normal after balayage?

"The best way to grow out your natural color, especially coming from a highlight or balayage look, is to have your colorist gloss your hair back to the natural level of the roots to allow the natural root to blend as it grows," says IGK Hair Care founder Chase Kusero.

Is Balayage bad for your hair?

What should I avoid after balayage?

Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours after the coloring process. This will give the color time to set and allow the chemicals in the hair dye to fully process. Avoid using hot water when washing your hair. Hot water can strip the hair of its natural oils and fade the color faster.

What happens to balayage over time?

Balayaged hair can last between 3-4 months, depending on the colour of your roots, how quickly your hair grows, and how your treat your hair in between salon visits. Balayage means you aren't left with visible roots, and blends seamlessly into your own hair so it looks natural.

Why does my hair feel thinner after balayage?

People that use hair bleach will experience their hair appearing thinner after the treatment. This reaction happens because bleached hair generally feels thinner. After all, it has lost its lipids, fatty acids, and keratin protein, giving it structure, strength, and elasticity.

Is balayage still in style in 2025?

Balayage is a classic technique, but in 2025, it's getting a subtle update. Minimal balayage is all about soft, natural highlights that gently frame the face and add just a hint of contrast.

What are the side effects of balayage hair color?

Contrary to other's statements on this subject, balayage is an application technique rather than a product. It employs bleach and/or color like any other color service, and if applied incorrectly or mixed with too strong of a developer, left on too long, it can literally melt the hair whe... My hair are very damaged.

Is balayage bad for thin hair?

SUITABLE FOR ALL HAIR TYPES

The main advantage of balayage is that it is suitable for most people and their hair condition. Whether you have thin hair, thick hair, or brittle hair, balayage is for you. The painting technique leaves very little dye on your hair, which leads to minor or minimal damage.

Should I get a balayage or not?

If you're looking to lighten your hair but allow for natural growth between salon visits, then balayage may be right for you. It's also important to consider the health of your hair; obviously, lighteners can weaken hair strands, so if your hair is heavily damaged or breaking you may want to avoid any lighteners.

Does balayage cover grey roots?

Can balayage cover grey roots? Yes, balayage can blend grey roots effectively, creating a natural look. Expert colorists can seamlessly mix grey roots with your balayage for a low-maintenance style.

What is the problem with balayage?

One of the most frequent issues with balayage is improper saturation. When the lightener isn't applied evenly, it can result in patchy, splotchy highlights. Too much product can lead to harsh lines, while too little won't give you the lift needed for that dreamy, blended look.

Does balayage make you look older or younger?

This is a great option for dark hair and cool-toned brunettes. Adding caramel highlights can help to warm and soften facial features; and the balayage technique ensures your highlights grow out without a demarcation line. These things all lead to a more youthful appearance.

Does hair get damaged after balayage?

TLDR: Yes it can be damaging if proper care isn't taken before and after the treatment - it is best to have it done professionally to get proper guidance on your specific care needs.

How often is it safe to get a balayage?

Balayage. The intention of balayage is that it looks natural, so as a result it is relatively low maintenance as far as the frequency of salon visits goes. Depending on how intense the balayage look is, every 8-12 weeks between salon visits should be sufficient.

What is reverse balayage?

Reverse balayage is when your colorist uses dark colors to add lowlights near the roots and throughout your strands to bring depth to your hue. If your blonde balayage has become too bright or brassy, reverse balayage can tone it down while maintaining the depth and dimension you've grown to love.

How do I get my natural hair back after balayage?

“Space out the highlights at the root area so that you get a softer demarcation line,” advises Stenson to those growing out highlights or balayage. “You can also add a base color and pull through the mid sections for more depth.”

Why does my hair look GREY after balayage?

Grey tones can also appear due to too much toner being applied or colour bleed through and absorption.

How do I keep my hair healthy after balayage?

Here are some essential tips for maintaining your balayage color and keeping your hair healthy and shiny:
  1. Do Weekly Treatments. ...
  2. Don't Wash your Hair Everyday. ...
  3. Use Dry Shampoo Between Washings. ...
  4. Apply Hair Oil to the Ends of Your Hair. ...
  5. Avoid Heat Styling Too Often. ...
  6. Get Regular Touch-Ups and Toners.

What to get instead of balayage?

If you want to go for a dramatic hair color change but are very confused about the technique, then, aside from balayage, ombre will look wonderful on your hair. Ombre is a very versatile hair dyeing technique and it doesn't take a lot of time either.

How many hours does a full balayage take?

A partial Balayage takes 45-90 minutes on average to complete. A full Balayage takes 1.5 – 3 hours on average to finish. Since the technique is applied by hand and no two Balayages are the same, the amount of time can vary greatly. Longer and thicker hair will take longer.

Is balayage out of fashion?

As we step into 2024, the world of hair fashion continues to evolve, and balayage remains at the forefront of hair color trends.

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